U.S. Economic News
September 27, 2018
U.S. Economic Indicators
The National Association of Realtors pending home sales index declined 1.8% in August (down 2.3% Y/Y). NAR says that contract activity has weakened due to worsening affordability, especially among more moderately prices homes. NAR Report
The U.S. Census Bureau Advance Economic Indicators Report shows that the goods deficit widened to $75.8 billion in August from $72.0 billion in July. Meanwhile, wholesale inventories rose 0.8% and retail inventories rose 0.7%. Census Bureau Report
The third estimate of Q2 GDP indicates that the U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 4.2%, unchanged from the prior estimate. The reading reflects robust consumer spending, business investment, government spending, and net exports. BEA Report
New orders of manufactured durable goods rose 4.5% in August after declining 1.2% (revised) in July, and are up 9.2% year-to-date. Excluding transportation, new orders inched up 0.1% (up 8.2% year-to-date). Census Bureau Report
Initial jobless claims rose 12,000 to 214,000 last week. The four-week moving average edged up 250 to 206,250. DOL Report